A new diagnostic project is underway in Australia aiming to create a system for detecting multiple banana pathogens in a single test. The Banana MultiPath-BMP system is being developed through an 18-month project co-funded by Hort Innovation, Genics, and banana growers.
The system is designed to detect up to 12 banana pathogens in one affordable test. It is intended to provide real-time insights to help growers manage disease threats, reduce risk, and maintain yields. Funding comes from the Hort Innovation Frontiers program, the Hort Innovation Banana research and development levy, and Genics, which specialises in pathogen detection.
© Hort Innovation
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation, said, "Banana growers across Australia face ongoing challenges from a range of harmful pathogens that can devastate crops, reduce production, and pose serious biosecurity risks. With threats expected to grow in the coming years, the need for fast, accurate, and cost-effective detection tools has never been greater."
"By combining the latest global research with Australian-specific conditions, the Banana MultiPath-BMP system will offer a level of sensitivity and accuracy better than current PCR testing - at a fraction of the cost," Fifield said. "This is about future-proofing the industry. It's a smart, scalable solution that puts Australian growers ahead of the curve and positions our sector as a global leader in biosecurity innovation. It could also make the day-to-day of Australian growers more productive by transitioning away from single-target PCR tests, reducing cost and complexity."
The Banana MultiPath-BMP system will be based on Genics' existing MultiPath platform, already in use in aquaculture and agriculture in over 50 countries. The new banana-focused version will be built using genetic analysis and will undergo validation through testing across multiple growing regions and pathogen levels to meet reliability and performance standards.
According to Dr Melony Sellars, CEO at Genics, "The Banana MultiPath-BMP system is a direct response to what growers have told us they need, faster, smarter tools that catch problems before they spread."
"By bringing together world-class genomic science and industry collaboration, this project has the potential to shift the dial on banana disease management in Australia," Sellars said. "We're proud to be working with Hort Innovation to co-create solutions that not only safeguard crops and livelihoods but also set new benchmarks for horticulture diagnostics globally."
The project also aims to contribute to Australia's biosecurity framework by enabling early detection and supporting emergency response readiness. It may also assist with national surveillance for exotic pathogens. The development phase is underway with stakeholder engagement in progress. Hort Innovation plans to continue working with industry partners to align the system with operational needs.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Horticulture Innovation Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 2 8295 2300
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au